Head of Operations – Civil Full Time NEW

The Head of Operations is responsible for the end-to-end execution, performance, and delivery of all construction projects across the organization. The role ensures alignment with time, cost, quality, safety, and cash flow objectives while driving operational efficiency across high-rise, horizontal, and infrastructure projects.

This position acts as the central coordination point between Projects, Planning, Commercial, Procurement, Finance, and Executive Management, ensuring seamless execution and optimized project performance across the portfolio.

Core Responsibilities

1. Project Execution & Delivery

• Oversee execution of multiple projects ensuring delivery within approved timelines, budgets, and quality standards
• Monitor planned vs actual progress across all active projects
• Ensure alignment between planning schedules and on-site execution
• Conduct regular site visits, performance reviews, and progress assessments

2. Planning & Scheduling Control

• Ensure baseline schedules and lookahead programs are established and maintained
• Identify delays and enforce corrective and recovery plans
• Coordinate with planning teams on:
• Recovery programs
• Resource optimization
• Milestone tracking and reporting

3. Budget Control & Cost Management

• Drive strict monitoring of Budget vs Actual performance across all projects
• Identify cost overruns and implement corrective cost control measures
• Validate Estimate at Completion (EAC) and forecast project profitability
• Work closely with Commercial and Finance teams to ensure cost transparency

4. Revenue & Cash Flow Alignment

• Oversee billing performance against planned targets
• Ensure alignment between project progress and billing/certification cycles
• Support cash flow planning through accurate revenue forecasting
• Monitor collection cycles in coordination with Finance

5. Procurement & Resource Management

• Oversee procurement strategies for materials, equipment, and subcontractors
• Ensure timely resource availability aligned with project schedules
• Monitor procurement efficiency, pricing, and vendor negotiations
• Avoid overstocking while ensuring continuity of execution

6. Subcontractor & Supplier Management

• Participate in subcontractor prequalification, bid evaluation, and selection
• Monitor subcontractor performance in productivity, quality, and timelines
• Ensure proper deployment and coordination of subcontractors and resources

7. Quality & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to project specifications, contract requirements, and UAE regulatory standards
• Oversee QA/QC processes including:
• Inspections
• Testing
• Snagging and close-out management

8. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Work closely with HSE teams to implement safety programs across all projects
• Ensure compliance with UAE safety regulations and standards
• Drive initiatives to reduce incidents and improve safety performance

9. Risk Management

• Identify operational, financial, and contractual risks across projects
• Develop mitigation strategies and proactive action plans
• Monitor risk registers and escalation mechanisms

10. Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary interface with clients, consultants, and key stakeholders
• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction and relationship management
• Drive timely resolution of project-related issues

11. Internal Coordination

• Coordinate closely with:
• Planning
• Commercial
• Procurement
• Finance
• HR
• Eliminate execution bottlenecks and improve cross-functional efficiency

12. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and manage Project Managers and site teams
• Conduct performance reviews, mentoring, and capability development
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability and execution excellence

Key Result Areas (KRAs)

Project Delivery

• Percentage of projects delivered on time
• Effectiveness of delay recovery measures

Cost Control

• Budget vs Actual variance
• Reduction in cost overruns

Profitability

• Achievement of project margins
• Final vs planned profitability

Cash Flow Performance

• Billing vs planned billing
• Collection efficiency

Resource Efficiency

• Labor productivity
• Equipment utilization

Quality

• Reduction in NCRs and rework
• Snag closure timelines

Safety

• Incident frequency rate
• Compliance with HSE standards

Client Satisfaction

• Repeat business and retention
• Client feedback and satisfaction scores

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Managing Director / Chairman
• Direct Reports: Project Managers and Project Teams
• Cross-functional Coordination: Planning, Commercial, Procurement, Finance, HR

Governance & Meetings

• Weekly:
• Operations review meetings
• Project progress reviews
• Monthly:
• Budget vs Actual review
• Project progress and profitability review
• Billing and cash flow forecast review
• Risk and escalation review

Authority & Decision-Making

• Authority to allocate resources and define execution strategies
• Recommend subcontractor and supplier selections
• Escalate critical risks and operational issues to senior management

Ideal Candidate Profile (Recommended Addition)

• 15+ years of experience in construction/EPC contracting within the UAE
• Proven track record managing multi-project portfolios (high-rise + infrastructure)
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in cost, cash flow, and contract management
• Deep understanding of UAE authority requirements and contractor operations
• Leadership experience managing large project teams and cross-functional departments